Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Joe Allen and James Collins started for their respective clubs, meaning four members of the Wales national team were present for the tribute.

Aston Villa keeper Shay Given , who had played with Speed at Newcastle, was in tears before kick-off.

As the match got underway, substitute Leroy Lita fired narrowly wide with Swansea’s best chance, while man-of-the-match Gabriel Agbonlahor had two shots saved by Michael Vorm and Chris Herd headed wide late in the game.

The game finished 0-0, with the players leaving the pitch looking as sombre as they had done when they went out onto the field. Villa are 10th in the Premier League table; Swansea are 14th.